In Hazard we trust? - Who's HOT & Who's NOT - Gameweek 16

Posted by FFP-Danny

Fantasy picks from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United feature in our HOT or NOT list for Gameweek 16

The games continue to come thick and fast in the awe-inspiring spectacle that is the Premier League, but are your FPL teams ready for the busy festive period?

Gameweek 16 is our latest instalment, and it promises to be an absolute cracker – with three local derbies taking place as well as a couple of basement battles, as the fight to stay in the richest league in the world begins to take shape.

This week, we explore the potential of some former FPL favourites who have returned to form in recent weeks, whilst taking a look at where it’s all gone wrong for some of the early season high-flyers.

So, without further ado, here are my thoughts ahead the hotly anticipated Gameweek 16. As always, I wish all FPL players the very best of of luck.

Aaron Ramsey vs. Southampton (A)

Despite slipping to defeat against Manchester United in Gameweek 15, the Gunners remain in good form.

They travel to Southampton in Gameweek 16 having won five of their last seven Premier League fixtures – their only defeats coming against the two Manchester clubs.

Aaron Ramsey has been involved in four of Arsenal’s last seven Premier League goals, and is providing excellent value for money at £7.2m, yet is still selected by fewer than 10% of FPL bosses – time to mix things up, perhaps?

The Welshman now has more points than Christian Eriksen, despite being over £2m cheaper.

Eden Hazard vs. West Ham (A)

The brilliant Belgian is back to his best, having been involved in six of Chelsea’s last nine Premier League goals.

Gameweek 16 sees Hazard and co. travel across the capital to face West Ham. David Moyes’ side put up a spirited fight away against runaway leaders Manchester City in Gameweek 15, but home isn’t where the heart is as far as the Hammers are concerned, having shipped eight goals in their last three outings at the London Stadium.

At £10.8m, Hazard does not come cheap, but if you consider replacing a few of your under-performing big-hitters (some potential candidates are discussed below), then you’ll have plenty of spare cash to play with.

Who’s NOT? (hot)

Antonio Valencia vs. Manchester City (H)

If, like me, you struggle to see how Jose Mourinho can possibly mastermind a clean sheet against the unstoppable Manchester City, it may be a good idea to move your United defenders to the bench.

Mourinho’s defensive options are severely depleted ahead of Gameweek 16’s Manchester derby, with Phil Jones and Eric Bailly set to miss out – music to the ears of Pep Guardiola and his array of attacking talent.

The Red Devils have managed just one clean sheet in their last five, and will have to perform miracles to become the first Premier League team this season to prevent Manchester City from scoring.

Christian Eriksen vs. Stoke City (H)

Christian Eriksen’s Gameweek 15 assist was his first activity of note in the last seven Gameweeks. Simply put, the Dane has gone off the boil.

So too have Spurs, who are still struggling to kill teams off at home. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have failed to score more than once in all but one of their Premier League fixtures at Wembley so far this season.

Gameweek 16 sees Stoke travel to north London, for what could be another typically frustrating afternoon for Spurs.

Romelu Lukaku vs. Manchester City (H)

In recent weeks, Lukaku has gone from being a necessity to an expensive passenger. Unsurprisingly, the Belgian’s popularity is plummeting after just one goal in eight games – nowhere near enough to justify the £11.4m price tag.

Gameweek 16 sees the former Everton man face the Premier League’s second best defence, as high-flying Manchester City make the short journey to face their bitter rivals – so if you haven’t given up on Lukaku yet, now is the perfect time.

Viable striking options remain incredibly thin on the ground, so my best advice for Gameweek 16 would be to take a punt on either Jamie Vardy or Roberto Firmino – the latter is back in goal-scoring form after a lengthy barren spell.

This would then free up considerable funds to bolster your midfield – an area where FPL bosses are now spoilt for choice.

BEFORE YOU GO: Join The Pundits staff in Gameweek 16 for a game of Starting 11 this Saturday and Sunday for some LIVE, daily fantasy football action. Keep your eyes peeled for some cool prizes and follow the download links below for iOS and Android to get involved.

Thank you for reading ‘Fantasy Premier League Tips – Who’s HOT & Who’s NOT? – FPL Gameweek 16’ which was written and published by @DannyBryan27